Band/Artist: The Moons of Jupiter
Release House: Independent
Genre: electropop/darkwave
One Sentence Synopsis: From the forthcoming debut album.
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: EP
Release Date: August 31st, 2023
Estimated Length: 23 minutes
MSRP: £4.00
Website: Click Here
Trailer/Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.0 Moons (out of 5)
Relatively new, The Moons of Jupiter is an electronic duo consisting of James Harris (vocals) and Nicky Rowe (programming). Recapturing the classic British electropop, Ghosts is a glimpse of their upcoming self-titled debut album.
Theme
Opening with a familiar sound from the 80’s, the first track “Ghosts” opens strong and deep but with a nice simplicity and subtlety to it. The track has an ambience that brings you into it in a very relaxing way. Then we go into “Until the End of Time” and get hit with some of the harder percussion and more into the danceable electronica. (The Europa Remix takes it a step up being instrumental.) And “Truth” is a nice balance of the calm and dance. Being neurodivergent, I’m very difficult when it comes to remixes, but all three of them I enjoyed, especially “Ghosts (Ganymede Remix).”
Presentation
One thing I loved about this EP is its simplicity, and how well the vocals of James Harris complements it. Nicky Rowe does an amazing job recreating the classic electropop as it does sound like it’s coming from the 80’s, production quality and all. The beauty of Harris’ voice really brings out the pain contained in the lyrics. The mixing and soundscape are done really well, as the vocals aren’t overpowering anything though sometimes it does sound like the vocals are missing what could be an echo or chamber effect. I lost count of how many times I listened to the songs on repeat, but each time I noticed something new in the electronics and then something else would stand out about the lyrics. I will say, it was next to impossible sitting still while listening.
The Moons of Jupiter: Nicky Rowe (left) and James Harris (right)
Audience Fit
This release and project would be appealing to those attracted to British darkwave and electropop, and also fans of Depeche Mode, James D. Stark and (insert 80’s synthwave band here). It’s very easy listening and would appeal to the electronic side in each of us.
Closing Thoughts
The Moons of Jupiter have successfully captured my attention with the EP! After hearing two variants of three songs, I’m definitely interested in the full-length album and look forward to hearing what comes from this project!
Theme: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 3.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Audience Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
